Veteran stand-up comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, better known as Ali Baba, has expressed that Nigerian musicians have significantly contributed to national awareness, surpassing the efforts of the country’s ambassadors.
In a recent interview with Channels Television, Ali Baba emphasized the impactful role that artists play in raising Nigeria’s global profile. “Burna Boy has done more for Nigerian national awareness than any ambassador posted to America, the UK, or elsewhere,” Ali Baba stated. “Nigerian artists are promoting our country and creating awareness globally, far more effectively than traditional diplomatic channels.”
Despite this, Ali Baba lamented the lack of recognition and support for the entertainment and creative sectors in Nigeria’s economic planning. He highlighted that a forecast by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group overlooked the industry entirely.
“Two years ago, a forecast of the Nigerian economy over the next five years was published, and the entertainment and creative industry was not considered,” he noted. “
